Writer: Jeff Parker
Artist: Roger Cruz
Company: Marvel Comics

Jeff Parker. It’s a name that is often mentioned around the Panteon campfire, and it’s one that’s mentioned for many reasons. The main one however, the one that rises above all of the others, is that the man knows the various ins and outs of creating a story that in most every way delivers. He’s proven this level of skill time and time again with ingenious and creative titles such as his Marvel Adventures Avengers and his Agents of Atlas, but it seems that those were just a preamble to his real genius because he seems to have truly hit his stride here in the pages of X-Men First Class. Calling the book “fun” isn’t nearly descriptive enough, and in all honesty, it doesn’t do it the justice it deserves. What X-Men First Class is, besides being fun, is a book that encompasses the true definition of High Adventure, and operates on such a level that the action, the inventiveness, the humor and the character interaction all have a timeless-like quality to them that you don’t see as often as you’d like. These are the weapons that litter Jeff Parker’s arsenal, and he uses them to great effect with the cunning and effectiveness of a sly secret agent.

To be honest though, I was a little worried after the last issue. It sounds strange to say that as there was absolutely nothing wrong with the issue itself. No, what bugged me slightly was that it was the first time that we had seen a To Be Continued label plastered at the bottom of the last page. Half of the appeal of the book was that these were essentially done in one tales that in a way followed in the same vein as other books like All Star Superman and The Spirit. Seeing that label just felt strange and had this ominous sort of feeling to it. Of course, I should have made a reservation at the local nuthouse to contemplate my own insanity for even thinking this because what this issue is is nothing short of spectacular.

The second part of the “Island X” story starts with a bang, or more appropriately, with a good old fashioned belly laugh. The short but clever one page text piece, coyly titled “Decrees from the Republic of Bobby Land” acts a smart aside, and the catchy rules (When we run out of sandwiches and chocolate, we’ll eat Hank first. Then Warren. We’ll draw straws after that.) seem so in character for the teenage Iceman. It’s comedy meets character moments like these that are balanced out with great action and story telling that really tell you how much Parker gets the core idea of the X-Men. What makes it better is that he shows that knowledge and charm not only with the on target dialogue throughout this issue, but he does it in the details as well, the little things that only seem like the icing on the cake but in actuality, they’re the things that seal the deal. The best example of the kind of details that I’m talking about is the notion that is mentioned about there being a ringing sound that the X-Men get in their heads right before Professor Xavier psychically contacts them. This sort of thing seems like something that Lee or Kirby or Claremont would have come up with, and though it may seem like a small thing to explain, by doing Parker adds another layer to the story.

But of course this isn’t a one sided game of tennis either. Words matter a great deal but the melding of those words with great art is just as important. Enter Roger Cruz, who through the course of this title’s existence has offered up some truly astonishing visuals. What’s more is that he’s only getting better. The animated style to his characters and the rainbow of emotions that he’s able to express with those characters are still there but he too is adding a dash of inventiveness to his work. The halftone style that appears works seamlessly with the rest of the work, and acts as another example of how creative and talented an artist Cruz really is. Also, I’m starting to think that Cruz belongs in the same category of artists as Guy Davis and Brian Hurtt in regards to his monster creations. As we watch the X-Men fight their way further and further towards the ultimate villain of the piece, the vast array of creatures and monsters that they encounter that pop right off the page is just amazing.

So, a great writer that can write just about anything that’s paired with an artist who’s work is both expressive and utterly original. What else do you need? Well, for those clamoring for more from an already jam-packed outing, how about some snazzy extras? This issue alone includes a wonderful pin-up and a hilarious five page backup story that stars Marvel Girl and Scarlet Witch, which is illustrated by the talented cartoonist Colleen Coover (Banana Sunday). Her style reminds me of the comic strips I read as a kid in the comics section of the paper. There’s an innate ability to her work that makes you smile when you read it. This feeling is only doubled when you pair her work with Parker’s rip-roaring and smart script. In the end, X-Men First Class gets the job done on all fronts, and is a blast of fresh air in the often stagnant waters of ho-hum mainstream comics. More importantly, it’s a book that you can hand to just about anyone and know that they will find something in it to enjoy.